The question of police presence in Heddon-on-the-Wall, a built-up area (BUA) in Northumberland, is a valid concern for any prospective resident. While specific details on the number of officers permanently stationed in the village are not publicly available, the available data provides insight into the level of service and response times.
Heddon-on-the-Wall boasts a crime rate of 32.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. The area also scores highly on safety, with a rating of 93 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. This high safety score, combined with the lower crime rate, indicates a generally secure community.
However, understanding response times is crucial. Data from 2024 indicates a median police immediate response time of 11 minutes and a median police priority response time of 34 minutes. 'Immediate' responses are typically reserved for incidents posing an immediate threat to life or serious injury, while 'priority' responses address less urgent, but still important, situations. These times reflect the challenges faced by police forces across the country, potentially due to factors such as geographical distances and resource allocation. It's important to note that these are median times, meaning half of responses are quicker and half are slower.
While these response times are a factor to consider, the overall safety profile of Heddon-on-the-Wall remains positive, driven by the low crime rate and high safety score. It's worth noting that police presence can fluctuate based on ongoing operations or community initiatives. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and engage with local police through community outreach programs to foster a stronger partnership and contribute to ongoing safety efforts.